Drama in the culinary world: Dudu Outmezgine sues his company
The well-known chef and pastry chef filed a lawsuit for hundreds of thousands of shekels against the patisserie bearing his name, following the company's refusal to fund a particularly prestigious benefit promised to him in his personal contract.
A legal drama is unfolding these days in the local culinary world. Pastry chef Dudu Outmezgine has filed a lawsuit for approximately 368,000 shekels to the Regional Labor Court in Haifa against the company "Dudu Outmezgine Patisserie," the firm named after him where he serves as the brand ambassador and head chef. At the center of the turmoil are allegations of breach of contract, aggressive conduct, and the infringement of Outmezgine's rights as an employee.
The main dispute concerns a prestigious clause in the personal employment agreement signed in 2023 for a period of at least 40 months. According to the statement of claim, filed through attorneys Eitan Erez and Sivan Toledano, it was determined that Outmezgine is entitled every two years to the company's participation in upgrading his private vehicle, in an amount of up to 300,000 shekels. When the time came in September 2025 and he upgraded the vehicle, the company refused to transfer the requested amount.
Outmezgine's representatives argue that this is not just a luxury, but a benefit justified by the nature of his role: beyond being the leading pastry chef, he serves as the face of the chain, manages its marketing on social media, and appears on television. On the other hand, the "Keshet Taamim" chain, which holds 70% of the patisserie's shares while 30% remain in Outmezgine's hands, is maintaining restraint. CEO Kinan Maman stated in response that the matter is unknown to them, and when the lawsuit is officially received, it will be studied and examined.
